Saturday, 3 March 2007

India: Holi Festival

Image Copyright Steve McCurry

Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is an annual and popular Hindu spring festival, and takes place over two days in the later part of February or early March. This year, as per the Hindu calendar, it falls on March 3.

The festival’s main highlight is when people throw colored powder and water at each other, at passerbys, strangers, tourists, etc. This period, during which the weather changes, is prone to cause viral fever and cold, and it is said that this playful throwing of the colored powders has a medicinal significance, as these are made of medicinal herbs prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors. It is very popular all over India, especially in Rajasthan.

About The Travel Photographer

Based in New York City, I am a freelance photographer specializing in documenting endangered cultures
and traditional life ways of Asia, Latin America and Africa. My images, articles and photo features were published in various magazines, and my travel photographs were featured by some of the largest adventure travel companies in the United States and Great Britain, as well as in multinational corporations' art collections. My photographs have been acquired by the Standard Chartered’ Bank's permanent art collection.

I also organize and lead photo expeditions and workshops for photographers who share my enthusiasm for unusual cultures,
uncommon locations and lesser known festivals.